Steven Kozol, Larry Ballesteros, Keith Blair, Keith Craig v. Jpay, Inc. ( 2017 )

COURT OF P
ST/ViE e
2C't CE.0 10 -E•
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
STEVEN P. KOZOL, LARRY )
BALLESTEROS, KEITH CRAIG, ) No. 76796-8-1
and KEITH BLAIR, )
) DIVISION ONE
Appellants, )
) UNPUBLISHED OPINION
v. )
)
JPAY, INC., )
)
Respondent. ) FILED: December 18, 2017
)
TRICKEY, A.C.J. — Steven Kozol, Larry Ballesteros, Keith Craig, and Keith
Blairl appeal the trial court's grant of summary judgment in favor of JPay, Inc. and
denial of their motion for a CR 56(f) continuance, motion to compel discovery, and
motion for reconsideration. Finding no error, we affirm.
FACTS
Kozol, Ballesteros, Craig, and Blair are housed at the Stafford Creek
Corrections Center in Aberdeen, Washington.2 JPay has a contract with the
Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC)to sell electronics, including
1Two sets of opening and reply briefs were filed by the appellants in this case. Appellants
Ballesteros, Craig, and Blair filed one set of briefs and appellant Kozol filed a separate
set. The two sets of briefs contain identical issue statements and incorporate one
another's argument sections by reference. For purposes of this opinion, the appellants
will be treated as a group and will be collectively called Kozol for actions on appeal.
2 Michas Taitano participated in the trial proceedings but was not named as a party on
appeal.
No. 76796-8-1/ 2
MP3 music players, and electronic music to inmates. Kozol, Ballesteros, Craig,
and Blair each received a JP3 model MP3 music player from JPay in 2012, and
have purchased music to listen to on their JP3s. JPay's music players are sold
with a limited warranty.3
Kozol, Ballesteros, Craig, and Blair's JP35 stopped working in 2015. Steven
Kozol filed help tickets with JPay and was told that he would need to purchase a
new device. In June 2015, Steven Kozol filed a pro se complaint against JPay,
alleging fraud, negligent misrepresentation, violation of the Consumer Protection
Act4 (CPA), tortious interference, trespass, conversion, and estoppel. Blair and
Ballesteros joined Steven Kozol's lawsuit as intervenors. Craig filed a separate
complaint, and Kozol's subsequent motion to consolidate the cases was granted.
In July 2015, JPay determined that its new software, which was designed
for its new JP4 model music player, was causing many JP3s to malfunction when
it was downloaded. JPay offered a free hardware upgrade to any inmate whose
JP3 was affected, including Kozol, Ballesteros, Craig, and Blair, regardless of its
warranty status. JPay has since stopped producing JP3 models but continues to
offer free upgrades to new models. Inmates' music libraries are associated with
their JPay account and were unaffected by the issues with the music players.
Kozol, Ballesteros, Craig, and Blair moved for a CR 56(f) continuance and
moved to compel discovery. The trial court denied their motions. JPay moved for
3 Although the parties do not cite a copy of the applicable user agreements in the record,
JPay has never offered a limited warranty longer than one year during the relevant time
period.
4 Ch. 19.86 RCW.
2
No. 76796-8-1/ 3
summary judgment. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of JPay
and dismissed Kozol, Ballesteros, Craig, and Blair's claims. Kozol, Ballesteros,
Craig, and Blair moved for reconsideration, which the trial court denied.
Kozol, Ballesteros, Craig, and Blair appeal.
ANALYSIS
Evidence Supporting Summary Judgment
Kozol argues that the trial court erred when it admitted the declaration of
JPay's compliance officer Shari Katz because Katz's declaration does not
demonstrate that it was based on her personal knowledge. We disagree.
Affidavits submitted in support of summary judgment "shall be made on
personal knowledge, shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in evidence,
and shall show affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the matters
stated therein." CR 56(e).
"The de novo standard of review is used by an appellate court when
reviewing all trial court rulings made in conjunction with a summary judgment
motion." Folsom v. Burger King, 135 Wash. 2d 658, 663, 958 P.2d 301 (1998).
Here, Katz declared under penalty of perjury that she had personal
knowledge of the facts contained in her declaration. Katz's declaration contains
facts that would be particularly within the personal knowledge of an officer of JPay,
such as the number of affected JP3s, the cause of the malfunctions, and JPay's
efforts to respond to the issue. Thus, Katz's declaration indicates that she testified
from her personal knowledge. Kozol has not argued that the facts in Katz's
declaration were inadmissible or that Katz was not competent to testify. Therefore,
3
No. 76796-8-1/4
we conclude that the trial court did not err when it considered Katz's declaration
when deciding to grant J Pay's motion for summary judgment.
Kozol argues that Katz's declaration is overly generalized, conclusory, and
speculative.5 Kozol has not offered relevant legal authority in support of this
argument. Moreover, Katz did not need to declare that every JP3 had been
affected to provide sufficiently specific testimony. We reject this argument. RAP
10.3(a)(6).
Kozol next argues that Katz's declaration did not establish her personal
knowledge because she did not declare that she worked at JPay when the events
at issue occurred or that she had first-hand knowledge of the writing of the
defective computer code. Kozol asserts that we must view this in the light most
favorable to them and conclude that Katz started working at JPay on the day she
made her declaration. This is incorrect. As discussed above, Kozol has not
demonstrated that the trial court erred in concluding that Katz's declaration
established her personal knowledge and was admissible. Moreover, Katz did not
have to have personal knowledge of the software code itself to have personal
knowledge of its effects on inmates' JP3s. We reject this argument.
Summary Judgment
Kozol argues that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment in favor
of JPay because genuine issues of material fact exist regarding their claims for
violation of the CPA, conversion, and trespass to chattels. JPay relies on the facts
5 For example, Kozol takes issue with Katz's statements that "many JP3 players" were
affected and that the software caused "malfunctions for some offenders." Clerk's Papers
(CP)at 86.
4
No. 76796-8-1 / 5
and arguments it offered to the trial court. We examine each of Kozol's dismissed
claims in turn.
Summary judgment shall be granted "if the pleadings, depositions, answers
to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show
that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is
entitled to a judgment as a matter of law." CR 56(c). "A genuine issue of material
fact exists where reasonable minds could differ on the facts controlling the
outcome of the litigation." Ranger Ins. Co. v. Pierce County, 164 Wash. 2d 545, 552,
192 P.3d 886 (2008). "[W]here, though evidentiary facts are not in dispute,
different inferences may be drawn therefrom as to ultimate facts such as intent,
knowledge, good faith, [and] negligence," summary judgment is inappropriate.
Preston v. Duncan, 55 Wash. 2d 678, 681-82, 349 P.2d 605 (1960).
A trial court's summary judgment ruling is reviewed de novo. Dowler v.
Clover Park Sch. Dist. No. 400, 172 Wash. 2d 471, 484, 258 P.3d 676(2011).
Consumer Protection ;tot
Kozol argues that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment on
their claim of violation of the CPA because there is a genuine issue of material fact
regarding whether JPay acted unfairly or deceptively. Because the record does
not show that there is a genuile issue of material fact over whether it acted unfairly
or deceptively under the CP ,we disagree.
"[T]o prevail in a privat CPA action... a plaintiff must establish five distinct
elements: (1) unfair or d ceptive act or practice; (2) occurring in trade or
commerce;(3) public interest impact;(4) injury to plaintiff in his or her business or
5
No. 76796-8-1 /6
property;(5)causation." Hangman Ridge Training Stables, Inc. v. Safeco Title Ins.
Co., 105 Wash. 2d 778, 780, 719 P.2d 531 (1986).
A plaintiff may demonstrate an unfair act or practice based on violation of a
statute or an act or practice hat has either the "capacity to deceive substantial
portions of the public" or is "in violation of public interest." Mellon v. Req'l Tr.
Servs. Corp., 182 Wash. App. 476, 488, 334 P.3d 1120 (2014) (quoting Klem v.
Wash. Mut. Bank, 176 Wn.2 771, 787, 295 P.3d 1179 (2013)). A defendant's
actions may be unfair or dec ptive if they cause or are likely to cause substantial
injury to consumers that is not reasonably avoidable and not outweighed by
countervailing benefits. Mellon, 182 Wash. App. at 489-90.
Although the CPA is construed liberally, it does not "prohibit acts or
practices which are reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of
business." RCW 19.86.920.
Here, Kozol argues that the record demonstrates that JPay may have
intentionally caused their JP3s to malfunction, misrepresented that it could not
"unlock" their JP3s or offer replacements, and violated RCW 19.190.030(2).6 We
disagree. JPay has acknowledged that its new update, designed for JP4 models,
was not compatible with JP s and has offered to replace malfunctioning JP3
models free of charge. These both weigh against the conclusion that JPay
6 "It is a violation of the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW, to assist in the
transmission of a commercial electronic mail message, when the person providing the
assistance knows, or consciouply avoids knowing, that the initiator of the commercial
electronic mail message is engaged, or intends to engage, in any act or practice that
violates the consumer protection act." RCW 19.190.030(2).
6
No. 76796-8-1/ 7
intentionally caused Kozol's JP3s to malfunction, and Kozol has not offered
countervailing evidence.
Kozol's claim that JPay misrepresented that it was unable to unlock or
replace JP3s is also unsupported. JPay informed Steven Kozol that JPay no
longer produced JP3s or offered support services because it had developed new
generations of devices. The act that JPay eventually refurbished five older JP3s
in response to Kozol's lawsuit and offered them free of charge to Kozol, after it
offered them a free upgrade to newer devices, does not establish that JPay acted
unfairly or deceptively. Moreover, Kozol has not cited to relevant opposing
evidence in the record.7
Similarly, JPay did not ct unfairly or deceptively when it told Kozol that their
only option was to purchase new device because the limited warranties on their
JP3s had expired by 2015. JPay did not have a duty to repair or replace any JP3
that stopped working after its limited warranty expired, and thus did not act unfairly
or deceptively when it inform d Kozol that they could purchase a newer device to
replace their malfunctioning JP3s.
Further, the record does not support Kozol's assertion that JPay or its
employees violated RCW 119.190.030(2). Kozol's arguments rely on their
assertions that JPay was capable of repairing or replacing their malfunctioning
7 Kozol cites to the declaration, of Ronnie Bowman to argue that JPay was capable of
unlocking JP3s, but ignores that Bowman declared that JPay was capable of doing so
Idiuring the time that JPay sol:1 1 only its JP3 model music players." This was no longer
the case in 2015 because JPay had discontinued its production of JP3s. Further, Kozol's
argument that released inmates were given the option of having their JP3s unlocked with
their existing music intact is unpersuasive because the cited evidence concerns JP4 mini-
tablets, not JP3s.
7
No. 76796-8-1/8
JP3s. As discussed above, 1 ozol's arguments are insufficient to demonstrate an
1
unfair or deceptive act or practice under the CPA. Thus, Kozol has not shown that
JPay or its employees may have violated RCW 19.190.030(2).
Kozol also argues hat JPay's user agreement was substantively
unconscionable because it" ermits [JPay] to do anything it desires to [Kozol's]
music players or music purchases,"8 and thus the trial court erred in granting
summary judgment if it based its decision in any part on the user agreement.
"A term is substantiv ly unconscionable where it is 'one-sided or overly
harsh,' [s]hocking to theconscience,' monstrously harsh,' or 'exceedingly
calloused." Gandee v. LDL Feedom Enters., 176 Wn.2d 598,603,293 P.3d 1197
(2013)(alteration in original) (internal quotation marks omitted)(quoting Adler•v.
Fred Lind Manor, 153 Wash. 2d 331, 344-45, 103 P.3d 773(2004)).
Assuming that Kozol 's referencing the limited warranties in JPay's user
agreement, they are not substantively unconscionable. During the period the
limited warranties were in place, Kozol could have taken advantage of their
benefits. The fact that the wa ranties on the products would eventually expire does
not render them unconscion
8 Opening Br. of Appellants Ballesteros, Craig, and Blair at 29.
9 Kozol also contends that Stevan Kozol did not agree to JPay's user agreement. This is
irrelevant. At most, it means that Steven Kozol could not benefit from the limited
warranties while they were in place.
8
No. 76796-8-1 / 9
Conversion
Kozol argues that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment in favor
of JPay on their conversion c aims. Because the record does not show that JPay
willfully interfered with Kozol's JP35, we disagree.
The tort of conversion is ,"the unjustified, willful interference with a chattel
which deprives a person entitled to the property of possession." Meyers Way Dev.
Ltd. P'ship v. Univ. Savings BInk,80 Wn. App.655,674-75, 910 P.2d 1308(1996).
"Wrongful intent is not a necessary element of conversion, and good faith cannot
be shown as a defense to conversion." Paris Am. Corp. v. McCausland, 52 Wn.
App. 434, 443, 759 P.2d 121 (1988).
Here, Katz's declaration demonstrates that JPay did not intend for their new
software to impact JP3s. Kozol has not cited evidence in the record contravening
the facts offered by Katz's dIclaration. Thus, we conclude that the record does
not show a genuine issue of material fact regarding whether JPay willfully
interfered with Kozol's JP3s. We need not reach the issue of whether Kozol was
injured by the alleged converron.
Kozol argues that JPay intended that the new software would be installed
in JP3s when they were plugged into JPay kiosks. This does not establish that
JPay also intended that the rL.,software would interfere with JP3s. We reject this
argument.
Kozol argues that JPa committed a continuing conversion of Kozol's JP3s
when it wrongfully refused to unlock or otherwise return their affected JP3s.
Because, as discussed abdve, the record does not show that JPay willfully
9
No. 76796-8-1 /10
interfered with Kozol's JP3s nd in fact offered them refurbished JP3s or a free
upgrade to a newer model in timely manner, we reject this argument.
Trespass to Chattels
Kozol argues that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment in favor
of JPay on their trespass ti) chattels claims. Because the record does not
demonstrate that a genuine sue of material fact exists regarding whether JPay
intentionally interfered with Kozol's JP3s, we disagree.
"A trespass to a chattell may be committed by intentionally(a)dispossessing
another of the chattel, or(b) uhing or intermeddling with a chattel in the possession
of another." RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF TORTS § 217 (Am. LAW INST. 1965); see
also 16 WASHINGTON PRACTIIE: TORT LAW AND PRACTICE § 14:15, at 585 (4th ed.
2013); Repin v. State, 198 n. App. 243, 268-69, 392 P.3d 1174 (recognizing
trespass to chattels cause of ction), review denied, 188 Wn.2d 1023(2017).
Here, as discussed ab ve, the record does not demonstrate that a genuine
issue of material fact exists egarding whether JPay intentionally interfered with
Kozol's JP3s. Kozol agai argues that JPay intended that inmates would
download the new software, •ut this is insufficient to show that JPay intended to
dispossess someone of a c attel or otherwise interfere with its use. Thus, we
conclude that the trial court did not err when it granted summary judgment in favor
of JPay on Kozol's trespass o chattels claims. We need not reach the issue of
whether Kozol was harmed b the alleged trespass.
10
No. 76796-8-1 /11
Declaratory Judgment
Kozol argues that the trial court abused its discretion when it declined to
issue a declaratory judgme t ordering the return of funds they had spent on
downloaded music that exce ded the amount charged by iTunes based on the
language of JPay's contract viiith the DOC.1° We disagree.
A person who's rights are affected by a contract may "have determined any
question of construction or validity arising under the instrument, statute, ordinance,
contract or franchise and obtain a declaration of rights, status or other legal
relations thereunder." RCW 7.24.020.
To have standing under the Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act11 (UDJA),
a party must meet the following elements:
"(1). .. an actual, presient and existing dispute, or the mature seeds
of one, as distinguiled from a possible, dormant, hypothetical,
speculative, or moot disagreement, (2) between parties having
genuine and opposing interests, (3) which involves interests that
must be direct and substantial, rather than potential, theoretical,
abstract or academic, and (4) a judicial determination of which will
be final and conclusive."
Benton County v. Zink, 191 Wash. App. 269, 278, 361 P.3d 801 (2015)(alteration in
original)(internal quotation m rks omitted)(quoting To-Ro Trade Shows v. Collins,
144 Wash. 2d 403, 411, 27 P. d 1149 (2001)), review denied, 185 Wash. 2d 1021
(2016).
10 In its oral ruling, the trial c urt stated that "the court is finding that this is not an
appropriate case for a declarato judgment." Report of Proceedings(RP)at 45. Although
the court did not change the d fense's proposed order granting summary judgment, we
assume that the trial court inten Jed to decline to issue a declaratory judgment rather than
dismiss a request for a declarat Dry judgment on summary judgment.
11 Ch. 7.24 RCW.
11
No. 76796-8-1 / 12
A trial court's decisio 1 to consider or refuse to consider a motion for
declaratory judgment is revie ed for abuse of discretion. Nollette v. Christianson,
115 Wash. 2d 594, 599, 800 P.2d 359 (1990).12
Here, Kozol has not established that an actual dispute or the mature seeds
of one presently exists. JPay'
1contract with the DOC provides that, "Digital media
purchases are comparable t cost from major providers such as iTunes."13 The
contract also states that, "T e cost per song ranges between $0.99 and $2.00
depending on the label and song."14 Kozol contends that, under the contract
language giving a range of p ssible prices, JPay would be able to charge $1.99
for a song that is being sold for $0.79 on iTunes, thus violating the language
requiring comparable pricir g. This offered hypothetical is insufficient to
demonstrate that an actual dispute presently exists or that one is imminent.15
Thus, Kozol has not demonstrated that they have standing under the UDJA to
request a declaratory judgment.
12 Kozol argues that they have standing to sue under the contract between JPay and the
DOC as third party See Branson v. Port of Seattle, 152 Wash. 2d 862, 877,
101 P.3d 67 (2004)beneficiarie.
("the UDJA allows for an interested person to have any question
arising under the validity of a ontract determined, so long as the UDJA's underlying
requirements are met"). JPay has not offered opposing argument. We assume without
deciding that Kozol is a third party beneficiary with standing to sue to enforce rights under
the contract between JPay and the DOC.
13 CP at 309.
14 CP at 310.
15 Kozol relies on an internet article Steven Kozol attached to his declaration, which stated
that a 2014 investigation discovered that "JPay's songs can cost 30% to 50% more than
they would on iTunes." OP at 185. Assuming that this article is properly before us, it is
insufficient to demonstrate that an actual and present dispute exists in the present case.
The parties have not cited to eyidence in the record that JPay has continued to use the
same pricing practices for its songs, and the article does not provide information on the
prices of downloadable music o I other plafforms. Thus, Kozol has not demonstrated that
apII
the article's statements are licable to the present case and show that an actual and
present dispute exists.
12
No. 76796-8-1/ 13
Because Kozol cannot stablish standing under the UDJA,we conclude that
the trial court did not abuse its discretion by declining to issue a declaratory
judgment in their favor. We need not reach the issue of whether Kozol has
established the other elemen s of standing under the UDJA.
Moti n for CR 56(f) Continuance
Kozol argues that the trial court erred when it denied their motion for a
continuance under CR 56(f). Because Kozol did not state why they did not offer
good reason for their delay in obtaining the evidence at issue, we disagree.
A court may grant a continuance or stay a motion for summary judgment
"[s]hould it appear from the fficlavits of a party opposing the motion that. . . the
party cannot present by affidavit facts essential to justify the party's opposition. . .
to permit affidavits to be obtined or depositions to be taken or discovery to be
had." CR 56(f). But a court try deny the motion if "(1)the moving party does not
offer a good reason for the delay in obtaining the evidence;(2) the moving party
does not state what evide ce would be established through the additional
discovery; or(3)the evidence sought will not raise a genuine issue offact." Coggle
v. Snow, 56 Wash. App. 499, 5 7, 784 P.2d 554(1990).
A trial court's decisio to deny a motion for a CR 56(f) continuance is
reviewed for abuse of discre ion. Lake Chelan Shores Homeowners Ass'n v. St.
Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co., 176 Wash. App. 168, 183, 313 P.3d 408(2013). A court
abuses its discretion if its decision is based on unreasonable or untenable grounds.
Clarke v. Office of AU)/ Gen.j 133 Wash. App. 767, 777, 138 P.3d 144(2006).
13
No. 76796-8-1 /14
Here, Kozol argues that they needed to conduct additional discovery to
determine whether JPay had intentionally interfered with their JP3s by sending a
computer command to their JP3s to lock them. In their motion for a continuance,
Kozol stated that they requirLd a continuance in order to obtain their "requested
document productions" and that a continuance was the only way to obtain
evidence possessed exclusiv ly by JPay.16 But they did not state good reason for
why they could not have requ sted this evidence prior to summary judgment. The
fact that the evidence was e clUsively held by JPay is insufficient to require the
trial court to grant a CR 56(f) Lntinuance.17 Thus, we conclude that the trial court
did not abuse its discretio when it denied Kozol's motion for a CR 56(f)
continuance.
M tion to Compel Discovery
Kozol argues that the Itrial court abused its discretion when it denied their
motion to compel discovery b cause the trial court should have issued a protective
order to protect any trade ecret information. Because Kozol's requests for
discovery were overbroad an sought privileged information, we disagree.
A party may obtain discovery through various tools, including depositions.
CR 26(a). But a court may imit a party's use of discovery tools if it determines
that:
(A) the discovery sought is unreasonably cumulative or duplicative,
or is obtainable from some other source that is more convenient, less
16CP at 125-26.
17Further, Kozol's motion to continue is premised on giving them an opportunity to obtain
the same information they sought in their motion to compel discovery. As discussed
below, the trial court denied itozol's motion to compel discovery in part because the
information they sought was pri ileged.
14
No. 76796-8-1/ 15
burdensome, or less expensive;(B)the party seeking discovery has
had ample opportunit by discovery in the action to obtain the
information sought; or (C) the discovery is unduly burdensome or
expensive, taking into ccount the needs of the case, the amount in
controversy, limitations on the parties' resources, and the importance
of the issues at stake in the litigation.
CR 26(b)(1).
A party may object to a discovery request if it is overbroad, vague, or
ambiguous, such as when t e request is so broad that it may be reasonably
interpreted to include irrelev nt or undiscoverable information. See Weber v.
Biddle, 72 Wash. 2d 22, 29, 431 P.2d 705(1967).
(4) "Trade secret" means information, including a formula,
pattern, compilation, program, device, method,technique, or process
that:
(a) Derives ind pendent economic value, actual or potential,
from not being gencrally known to, and not being readily
ascertainable by prop r means by, other persons who can obtain
economic value from its disclosure or use; and
(b) Is the subSct of efforts that are reasonable under the
circumstances to maintain its secrecy.
RCW 19.108.010(4).
A trial court's decision to deny a motion to compel is reviewed for abuse of
discretion. Lake Chelan Shores Homeowners Ass'n, 176 Wash. App. at 183. A court
abuses its discretion if its decision is based on unreasonable or untenable grounds.
Clarke, 133 Wash. App. at 777.
Here, the trial court d nied Kozol's motion to compel discovery because it
was "over-broad and is. . . a fishing expedition for things at this point I do not see
are likely to lead to the disc very of admissible evidence and also seeks trade
15
No. 76796-8-1 / 16
secret information."18 Kozol as not demonstrated that this determination was an
abuse of discretion. Kozol's motion to compel discovery sought computer data
and commands that would a legedly show that JPay intentionally interfered with
Kozol's JP3s.19 Kozol's requ sts could include computer data and information that
is not relevant to the present Jispute. Moreover, it is not unreasonable to conclude
that proprietary computer code data involving specific command functions of
electronic devices would havr potential independent economic value from being
kept secret. Thus, we conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion when
it denied Kozol's motion to compel discovery.
Ml)tion for Reconsideration
Kozol argues that the trial court erred in denying their motion for
reconsideration because the offered new material evidence. Because Kozol has
not demonstrated that their o ered evidence was material or could not have been
offered at summary judgmen , we disagree.
A trial court may vac te, its decision and grant reconsideration upon the
motion of an aggrieved part litho offers "[n]ewly discovered evidence, material for
the party making the application, which the party could not with reasonable
diligence have discovered an produced at the trial." CR 59(a)(4). "If the evidence
18 RP at 16.
19Kozol also sought to depose JPay's software development engineers under CR 30. An
out-of-state deponent may only e deposed "in the county where the person is served with
a subpoena, or within 40 miles from the place of service, or at such other convenient place
court." CR 45(e)(2). Kozol argues that JPay's argument that
as is fixed by an order of the
sending its employees to Wa4tington for depositions would be an undue burden is
inaccurate and that CR 30 and CR 43 require their attendance. This is unpersuasive.
Kozol does not have a right o call out-of-state witnesses to Washington to provide
deposition testimony, and their arguments are not relevant to the trial court's determination
that their discovery requests were overbroad. We reject this argument.
16
No. 76796-8-1 / 17
was available but not offered until after[an earlier opportunity to present it] passes,
the parties are not entitled to nother opportunity to submit that evidence." Wagner
Dev. Inc. v. Fid. & Deposit Co of Md., 95 Wn.App.896, 907,977 P.2d 639(1999).
"Motions for reconsideration are addressed to the sound discretion of the
7
trial court; a reviewing court ill not reverse a trial court's ruling absent a showing
of manifest abuse of that discretion." Wagner Dev. Inc., 95 Wash. App. at 906.20
Kozol has not demonstrated that several of the cited items of evidence are
material to the present dispute. First, Kozol argues that he was unable to submit
several declarations of other inmates whose JP3s had malfunctioned because the
DOC had seized Steven Kozol's legal files and the declarations were missing when
his files were returned. Kozol has not established that additional evidence of
affected JP3s would be mate rial to the present case.
Second, Kozol argues that minutes from an Offender Tier Rep Meeting and
a letter to Steven Kozol were not available in time for them to be submitted at
summary judgment. The minutes do not include a reference to JP3s and the letter
appears to contain a picture 01)f an album cover. Kozol has not demonstrated that
either are material to the present dispute.
Third, Kozol argues that the declaration of Ansel Hofstetter was not taken
at the time of summary judgment and thus is new evidence. Hofstetter's
declaration states that he experienced software issues with his JP4 media player
2° Kozol argues that the trial court's denial of their motion to reconsider was part of its
decision to dismiss their claimd at summary judgment, and thus our review is de novo.
This is incorrect. The trial codrt's denial of Kozol's motion to reconsider is a separate
decision that we review for abuse of discretion. See Wagner Dev. Inc., 95 Wash. App. at
906.
17
No. 76796-8-1 / 18
when JPay released its new Jp5-mini device, and that several other inmates
experienced similar issues. H fstetter's declaration does not concern JP3 players
or the present dispute, and Kozol has not demonstrated how it is otherwise
material to the present case.
Kozol has not demonstrated that the remaining items of evidence were
unavailable in time to be submitted for the summary judgment hearing. First, Kozol
argues that the declaration of John Shefcik could not have been presented at
summary judgment because it relies on a transcript of an e-mail exchange between
Blair and JPay that the DOG seized and did not return to him prior to the summary
judgment hearing. The e-mail exchange between Blair and JPay occurred on June
18, 2015. Steven Kozol declared that his legal materials were seized on January
22, 2016. Kozol has not demonstrated that they were unable to provide Shefcik
with the e-mail exchange in the months between when the exchange occurred and
Steven Kozol's legal material were seized.
Second, Kozol argues that, following summary judgment, each appellant
presented new evidence of emotional distress, and that Ballesteros was formally
diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder that he had been suffering from for
decades. Kozol has not argu d why they could not have discovered this evidence
with reasonable diligence piior to summary judgment. For example, each of
Kozol's cited declarations state that their claimed stress and anxiety began when
they were locked out of their JP35 in May 2015. This evidence was available to
Kozol in time for them to h ve offered it at the summary judgment hearing in
February 2016.
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No. 76796-8-1 /19
In sum, Kozol has not demonstrated that the new evidence offered in their
motion for reconsideration wa material to the present case or was unavailable to
them at the time of the summ ry judgment hearing. Therefore, we conclude that
the trial court did not abuse its discretion when it denied Kozol's motion for
reconsideration.
Attorney Fees on Appeal
Kozol requests their reasonable costs on appeal. RAP 14.2; RAP 18.1.
Because Kozol has not prevai ed on their claims on appeal, we deny their request.
Affirmed.
WE CONCUR:
1D-x ,
19